Magazine Features

“With one lift (dug by hand), no grooming and plenty of hike-to insanity, Silverton remains an anomaly in American skiing. You wouldn’t think the trial lawyers would let founder Aaron and Jen Brill get away with this one, but they do, and they have. Bring your avi gear, hire a guide (provided by Silverton), sign all the waivers and ski at your own risk, because Silverton is the real deal. Skiers with backcountry experience can go during periods when the mountain offers unguided skiing, otherwise Silverton is guide-skiing only. Check the website for details on when is the best time to go for you.”

BEST RESORT YOU’VE NEVER SKIED: Silverton Mountain, Colorado Owners Jen and Aaron Brill deliver the best no-frills, no-beginners, no-bullshit steep skiing on the continent, and they do it with nothing more than a recycled double chair. But Silverton is more than San Juan couloirs and knee-deep powder. It’s post-ski beers with literally every skier who rode the lift that day, a yurt-style “lodge,” and a rental shop with reverse-camber fatties.